Silence on Hungary marks moral bankruptcy of Council - Hoofdinhoud

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament has this evening condemned the decision by the Latvian Presidency of the EU not to participate in a debate, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, on the situation in Hungary. A call for the re-introduction of the death penalty in Hungary and the xenophobic, leading wording of Hungary's public consultation on migration are threatening EU principles and values, the ALDE group says. Both the European Commission and the Council must verify that the recent actions by Hungary's government comply with the values, principles and legislation of the European Union.

Sophie In't Veld, ALDE first Vice President said this evening: "The refusal of the Council Presidency to participate in the debate as allegedly the Council has "no position" on the situation in Hungary, is unacceptable and without precedent. We urgently need a full and written clarification of the Council. Stating the Council has no position on matters as fundamental as the rule of law, democratic governance and fundamental rights, implies the European Council has become morally bankrupt, i.e. the member state governments. How can Europe credibly criticise the death penalty in Egypt, for example, when it refuses to stand up for its values in its own house? The situation only underlines the urgent need for a Democratic Governance Pact, to enforce  fundamental rights and the rule of law. We need tools to bridge the gap between secondary laws and the suspension procedures under Treaty Article 7".

Dutch Member of Parliament Alexander Pechtold asked the secretary of foreign affairs parliamentary questions on the Latvian presidency's refusal to take part in this debate.